deeply shocked and ashamed as his harsh words sunk in and she realized how low she was in his estimation.
He picked up his jacket. “Don’t bother about showing me around, princess,” he said, with a faint smile. “I’m going to have a very cold shower, accept whatever recompense your father has to offer and then I’m going to bed. I’m tired. And don’t worry, I won’t tell him I haven’t had my money’s worth yet.”
She watched until he had closed the door of the apartment behind him before allowing the hot tears to pour down her cheeks.
~ * ~
Jack suffered a false sense of bravado as Rudolf led him along the vast corridors toward the king and queen’s private quarters as it neared six o’clock.
True to his word, he’d taken a cold shower and had he needed it. His lovemaking with Lara had been more than merely frustrating. Once again he had been near to taking her there, against the sofa, particularly when she had made those little moans of passion and he’d known she was so ready for him.
Generally speaking, I’ve been an absolute idiot ever since Lara climbed on board my boat, he thought, briefly glancing at the huge portraits covering the walls as they passed along the corridors.
An idiot bewitched by a beautiful princess. Has she used me? Is this just an exciting game to her? The romance of the island, my arrest, the intrigue, the lust? No. She has worried about me and begged me to take any handouts and run a mile from here. Sure, she wants me and there is no doubt I want her, but why didn’t I realize earlier that our lives are so different. That this whole thing is madness.
“Not much further now, Mr. Lucas,” Rudolf said, with a polite smile.
Jack continued with his own thoughts as he dutifully followed the aide. I don’t belong here and the sooner I get back to Port Margaret, the better. He frowned. Lara said the king would offer him money to leave her alone and keep things quiet. This would mean the king was unaware of Jack’s wealth and the royal family genuinely wanted him out of Lara’s life. That hurt. It hurt like hell.
He pursed his lips as he thought of his harsh words to her earlier that afternoon. He had lashed out at her. He hadn’t meant to be cruel and he was as carried away by their lovemaking as she, if not more so. It was when she’d said she wanted him to be the man to take her virginity that a red haze of fury had descended over him.
Jealousy. I was blinded with jealousy at the thought of her and this God-damned prince. I’m even more of a fool than I thought. Lara is much better off with one of her own kind than a rough diamond like me.
“Here we are, sir.” Rudolf stood to one side so Jack could enter what appeared to be a large games room with a central billiard table. Johann greeted him and the butler served them both a drink. Uncomfortable, that’s what you are, King Johann, Jack decided as he took a swig of his whisky and soda.
“The queen will be joining us shortly, Jack. We have something of a delicate matter to discuss with you.”
I bet you have. He gave a wry smile as he followed Johann to the billiard table. It wasn’t until after the third game, which Jack won easily, that Queen Francesca joined the two men and the three sat in the lounge chairs in front of the roaring fire.
As he thought might happen, Francesca took the lead. “Mr. Lucas…Jack, thank you for meeting with us. The king and I have a very private matter to discuss.”
He leaned back in his chair nursing another whiskey. Jeez. He was tired. He wished they would get on with it so he could leave.
Johann coughed nervously and began. “We have observed that Lara is, well, she is taken with you and you with her.”
“Oh for goodness sake, Johann. It’s pointless beating around the bush. Jack, we are aware you are a very wealthy man. What the king and I propose is that you consider making a substantial financial investment into our country’s economy. In return we will offer you a title, royal privileges and our daughter, Princess Lara, as your bride.”
Seven
If it hadn’t been so serious, Jack would have burst out laughing. He wondered if he had heard Francesca correctly, or perhaps misunderstood